Media City Footbridge, Salford, UK

This paper examines visual and structural aspects of a contemporary and unique 100m long moving footbridge over the Manchester Ship Canal in the City of Salford. The Media City Footbridge is an asymmetric, cable-stayed, swing bridge providing pedestrian access into the heart of the new Media City Development at Salford Quays. The paper describes how the footbridge has been designed to respond to the particular geometrical constraints of its location. The design is highly contextual and provides a spectacular southern pedestrian gateway to the Media City development. The bridge also addresses anticipated future development at Trafford Wharf to the south of the Manchester Ship Canal and in conjunction with the existing Lowry Bridge enhances pedestrian links for the area as a whole, celebrating the heritage of the Manchester Ship Canal as a living amenity.